
These engines are also known for their steering ease. This engine location is visible and accessible, so it can be tilted out of the water, making maintenance a breeze. The position of the V-Drive naturally causes a more significant wake and is perfect for other watersports.Īs their name suggests, outboard engines are attached high on the transom, outside of the boat. D-Drive’s location in the center of the boat results in a much smaller wake, making it ideal for ski boats. Often the choice of D-Drive versus V-Drive comes down to the use of the boat. V-Drive engines maintain the same location for both the prop and rudder, but the engine itself is under the transom seating. D-Drives go in the center of the boat, with the prop and rudder beneath the hull.
There are two types of inboard engines, D-Drive and V-Drive. Inboard engines are under the deck and out of sight.
The main difference between the three is the location of the engine.
Formula Boats: Outboard and Sterndrive on Bowridersīefore we get into the specifics of each factor, it’s important to be familiar with the three types of boat engines - inboard, outboard and sterndrive, also known as inboard/outboard. While outboard engines outperform sterndrive engines in some areas and vice versa, the decision ultimately comes down to your specific boating wants and needs. What is the reason behind this industry shift to outboards? How do you know if an outboard engine is right for you? What features do you need to consider as you shop for your bowrider? We’ve compiled a list of some of the critical factors to consider - performance, fuel efficiency, space, aesthetics, tilt, cost, maintenance, winterization and noise level. (SSI), the US Boat industry has sold more and more outboard-powered boats over the past few years - up from 127,981 in 2012 to 165,435 in 2016. In the past, sterndrives have always been the preference for bowriders, but as time has gone on brand new boats are coming with outboard power, even when it comes to some high-performance boats. If you’re in the market for a bowrider boat, chances are you’ve noticed more and more are available with outboard engines in place of sterndrive engines.